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It had been a night long in the making, not only for the Hei Haikkidad to prepare and welcome their guests into the wonderfully appointed gardens, but as well for the Pharoah and the Queen. There would be an announcement of sorts, Zoser knew, mostly because it had been deemed appropriate for his presence at such an event. There were some frontrunners regarding the announcements that could be made and Zoser was more than content to mill about the gardens with a glass of wine and observe the festivities until the time they were made.
His cat-like eyes seemed to flit from one corner of the garden to another, noting the Councilmen and their families present. Also of note was Sidar Osorsen standing nearby to Queen Hatshepsut. A nephew he held no claim to with a name he would never bear standing near to his long-time students and philosophical companion. Perhaps they would both entertain him for a bit of conversation, offering the odd-one-out a few words to pass the time, but instead, he kept moving through the party and enjoyed the refreshments before he made his way nearer to Iahotep upon his arrival into the gardens.
Queen Hatshepsut had also drifted to his side, and the announcement was made. Along with the cooing crowd, Zoser applauded only for the second announcement to catch him slightly off guard. None the less, his lips curled into congenial smile and he applauded the decision of the King of Kings, despite the wringing of his inner organs and the ideas.
Did they not just send a delegation to enforce the existing peace treaty between Egypt and Greece? In fact, Osorsen himself had been sent to deal in such matters and upon his return, things seemed to have gone fairly well - if a bit unorthodox on the Greek end of things and thankfully not on the Egyptian delegation's behalf. There was no secret that the gods of Greece had been harsh to their people in the past year or so, with deaths of kings and natural disasters. His own interest in such things kept him abreast of the land he called home for nearly half his life.
Still, to declare war after things seemed to have gone so well was not the direction Zoser would have gone. Then again, he was not Pharoah or even a properly titled advisor to him, though he was blessed enough to have the ear of both the Pharoah and the Queen in their own turns. His doubts would not be expressed here, but they could leak into private conversations in the days to come.
Zoser knew that the Queen's evening would now be filled with felicitations and well wishes for an easy pregnancy and a healthy child, a future king or queen within her womb. Having spent much of his return to Egypt as her tutor in everything from reading to philosophy, he held a tender, almost familial fondness for the young Queen. Time had been cruel to her in ripping her father from her at such a young age, and now such a swift marriage and pregnancy at sixteen. Thinking of his own life at sixteen, he could not imagine having so many life-altering milestones in such a short time.
He attempted to catch her gaze to offer a comforting and quiet congratulatory smile and a nod as well to the Pharoah if he sought company following his announcement.
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It had been a night long in the making, not only for the Hei Haikkidad to prepare and welcome their guests into the wonderfully appointed gardens, but as well for the Pharoah and the Queen. There would be an announcement of sorts, Zoser knew, mostly because it had been deemed appropriate for his presence at such an event. There were some frontrunners regarding the announcements that could be made and Zoser was more than content to mill about the gardens with a glass of wine and observe the festivities until the time they were made.
His cat-like eyes seemed to flit from one corner of the garden to another, noting the Councilmen and their families present. Also of note was Sidar Osorsen standing nearby to Queen Hatshepsut. A nephew he held no claim to with a name he would never bear standing near to his long-time students and philosophical companion. Perhaps they would both entertain him for a bit of conversation, offering the odd-one-out a few words to pass the time, but instead, he kept moving through the party and enjoyed the refreshments before he made his way nearer to Iahotep upon his arrival into the gardens.
Queen Hatshepsut had also drifted to his side, and the announcement was made. Along with the cooing crowd, Zoser applauded only for the second announcement to catch him slightly off guard. None the less, his lips curled into congenial smile and he applauded the decision of the King of Kings, despite the wringing of his inner organs and the ideas.
Did they not just send a delegation to enforce the existing peace treaty between Egypt and Greece? In fact, Osorsen himself had been sent to deal in such matters and upon his return, things seemed to have gone fairly well - if a bit unorthodox on the Greek end of things and thankfully not on the Egyptian delegation's behalf. There was no secret that the gods of Greece had been harsh to their people in the past year or so, with deaths of kings and natural disasters. His own interest in such things kept him abreast of the land he called home for nearly half his life.
Still, to declare war after things seemed to have gone so well was not the direction Zoser would have gone. Then again, he was not Pharoah or even a properly titled advisor to him, though he was blessed enough to have the ear of both the Pharoah and the Queen in their own turns. His doubts would not be expressed here, but they could leak into private conversations in the days to come.
Zoser knew that the Queen's evening would now be filled with felicitations and well wishes for an easy pregnancy and a healthy child, a future king or queen within her womb. Having spent much of his return to Egypt as her tutor in everything from reading to philosophy, he held a tender, almost familial fondness for the young Queen. Time had been cruel to her in ripping her father from her at such a young age, and now such a swift marriage and pregnancy at sixteen. Thinking of his own life at sixteen, he could not imagine having so many life-altering milestones in such a short time.
He attempted to catch her gaze to offer a comforting and quiet congratulatory smile and a nod as well to the Pharoah if he sought company following his announcement.
It had been a night long in the making, not only for the Hei Haikkidad to prepare and welcome their guests into the wonderfully appointed gardens, but as well for the Pharoah and the Queen. There would be an announcement of sorts, Zoser knew, mostly because it had been deemed appropriate for his presence at such an event. There were some frontrunners regarding the announcements that could be made and Zoser was more than content to mill about the gardens with a glass of wine and observe the festivities until the time they were made.
His cat-like eyes seemed to flit from one corner of the garden to another, noting the Councilmen and their families present. Also of note was Sidar Osorsen standing nearby to Queen Hatshepsut. A nephew he held no claim to with a name he would never bear standing near to his long-time students and philosophical companion. Perhaps they would both entertain him for a bit of conversation, offering the odd-one-out a few words to pass the time, but instead, he kept moving through the party and enjoyed the refreshments before he made his way nearer to Iahotep upon his arrival into the gardens.
Queen Hatshepsut had also drifted to his side, and the announcement was made. Along with the cooing crowd, Zoser applauded only for the second announcement to catch him slightly off guard. None the less, his lips curled into congenial smile and he applauded the decision of the King of Kings, despite the wringing of his inner organs and the ideas.
Did they not just send a delegation to enforce the existing peace treaty between Egypt and Greece? In fact, Osorsen himself had been sent to deal in such matters and upon his return, things seemed to have gone fairly well - if a bit unorthodox on the Greek end of things and thankfully not on the Egyptian delegation's behalf. There was no secret that the gods of Greece had been harsh to their people in the past year or so, with deaths of kings and natural disasters. His own interest in such things kept him abreast of the land he called home for nearly half his life.
Still, to declare war after things seemed to have gone so well was not the direction Zoser would have gone. Then again, he was not Pharoah or even a properly titled advisor to him, though he was blessed enough to have the ear of both the Pharoah and the Queen in their own turns. His doubts would not be expressed here, but they could leak into private conversations in the days to come.
Zoser knew that the Queen's evening would now be filled with felicitations and well wishes for an easy pregnancy and a healthy child, a future king or queen within her womb. Having spent much of his return to Egypt as her tutor in everything from reading to philosophy, he held a tender, almost familial fondness for the young Queen. Time had been cruel to her in ripping her father from her at such a young age, and now such a swift marriage and pregnancy at sixteen. Thinking of his own life at sixteen, he could not imagine having so many life-altering milestones in such a short time.
He attempted to catch her gaze to offer a comforting and quiet congratulatory smile and a nod as well to the Pharoah if he sought company following his announcement.
It was rare that Safiya wished that she was able to do more but in this instance, she really did. The whole business of motherhood was something she knew little about, only from her limited reading and asking some fairly direct and pointed questions when it came to her mother and hoping that she was given some accurate information. Safiya was sure that it was something that not everyone was interested in learning ahead of time or in some cases at all, but since being chosen to serve the Queen she had decided that it made sense.
Safiya didn't like being ignorant of things. While she was never going to be a healer or any greatly learned person she was going to persist in doing her best not to end up always being thought the fool. Instead of continuing to overthink matters she looked around the room as she wasn't going to be able to do anything at the moment, no matter how much she would like to slide a chair closer or perhaps just pretend to faint on her own - would that be distracting enough? Safiya was sure that her sister would have been able to think of something wonderfully original and really dynamic and adventurous but perhaps only in the stories she wrote.
Trying not to look either bored or frustrated, Safiya also had to concentrate on not allowing anything like a sigh or any appearance of those emotions coming out in some other kind of way. Safiya wasn't even sure what all of that might end up being but she was going to do her best in any case.
Perhaps if she had more spirit or less common sense - which her uncle might have argued was completely accurate, her mother definitely would have said she had little wit - then Safiya would have felt like it could have been a good idea to take off her clothes and dance naked in front of the people, now that was something that she was sure would have been distracting. If only because Narmer would have been perfectly willing to have caused a scene. Still, she was probably only imagining that there should be any kind of need in the first place.
It might just be a symptom of boredom sinking or her own mind racing around without anything else to occupy it? She was going to have to ask her sister for some advice, she would be able to understand.
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It was rare that Safiya wished that she was able to do more but in this instance, she really did. The whole business of motherhood was something she knew little about, only from her limited reading and asking some fairly direct and pointed questions when it came to her mother and hoping that she was given some accurate information. Safiya was sure that it was something that not everyone was interested in learning ahead of time or in some cases at all, but since being chosen to serve the Queen she had decided that it made sense.
Safiya didn't like being ignorant of things. While she was never going to be a healer or any greatly learned person she was going to persist in doing her best not to end up always being thought the fool. Instead of continuing to overthink matters she looked around the room as she wasn't going to be able to do anything at the moment, no matter how much she would like to slide a chair closer or perhaps just pretend to faint on her own - would that be distracting enough? Safiya was sure that her sister would have been able to think of something wonderfully original and really dynamic and adventurous but perhaps only in the stories she wrote.
Trying not to look either bored or frustrated, Safiya also had to concentrate on not allowing anything like a sigh or any appearance of those emotions coming out in some other kind of way. Safiya wasn't even sure what all of that might end up being but she was going to do her best in any case.
Perhaps if she had more spirit or less common sense - which her uncle might have argued was completely accurate, her mother definitely would have said she had little wit - then Safiya would have felt like it could have been a good idea to take off her clothes and dance naked in front of the people, now that was something that she was sure would have been distracting. If only because Narmer would have been perfectly willing to have caused a scene. Still, she was probably only imagining that there should be any kind of need in the first place.
It might just be a symptom of boredom sinking or her own mind racing around without anything else to occupy it? She was going to have to ask her sister for some advice, she would be able to understand.
It was rare that Safiya wished that she was able to do more but in this instance, she really did. The whole business of motherhood was something she knew little about, only from her limited reading and asking some fairly direct and pointed questions when it came to her mother and hoping that she was given some accurate information. Safiya was sure that it was something that not everyone was interested in learning ahead of time or in some cases at all, but since being chosen to serve the Queen she had decided that it made sense.
Safiya didn't like being ignorant of things. While she was never going to be a healer or any greatly learned person she was going to persist in doing her best not to end up always being thought the fool. Instead of continuing to overthink matters she looked around the room as she wasn't going to be able to do anything at the moment, no matter how much she would like to slide a chair closer or perhaps just pretend to faint on her own - would that be distracting enough? Safiya was sure that her sister would have been able to think of something wonderfully original and really dynamic and adventurous but perhaps only in the stories she wrote.
Trying not to look either bored or frustrated, Safiya also had to concentrate on not allowing anything like a sigh or any appearance of those emotions coming out in some other kind of way. Safiya wasn't even sure what all of that might end up being but she was going to do her best in any case.
Perhaps if she had more spirit or less common sense - which her uncle might have argued was completely accurate, her mother definitely would have said she had little wit - then Safiya would have felt like it could have been a good idea to take off her clothes and dance naked in front of the people, now that was something that she was sure would have been distracting. If only because Narmer would have been perfectly willing to have caused a scene. Still, she was probably only imagining that there should be any kind of need in the first place.
It might just be a symptom of boredom sinking or her own mind racing around without anything else to occupy it? She was going to have to ask her sister for some advice, she would be able to understand.
When Narmer stepped back, it was then that Iaheru remembered her mark. Had this been years prior, perhaps the man would have leaned into the congenial embrace. The beauty that radiated from her to her daughters was still draped around high cheekbones and woven into embroidered trim. It was never her intention to come off as forward, but rather, to come off as generous, as fair, as wholesome and bright in her dealings. Maybe it was a product of trauma or childbirth, how the two aspects intertwined in all contexts, but especially hers, but she had an innate drive to bring security to her interfaces.
His strafe backwards put a sour taste in her mouth. Folding her hands and diverting her gaze, Iaheru puckers for but a moment before stumbling on the right words to say through a haze of evenings past. It was then her eyes fell on her daughter Neithotep, a strange pull in her stomach unsettling her, rocking on her heels as present and past bleed over her daughter's face.
Rocking on her heels, Iaheru thumbs over a large tumbled lapis at the crest of her collar, nodding her head as realizes Narmer is referring to Akhenaten, not Sutekh. "I'll have it arranged, I'm sure we can all come to a fruitful afternoon." Iaheru winks, regaining her famed demeanor. Perfume wafts heavily in the air, Iaheru's nose tickling with the festivities laced with opium and weaker wine.
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When Narmer stepped back, it was then that Iaheru remembered her mark. Had this been years prior, perhaps the man would have leaned into the congenial embrace. The beauty that radiated from her to her daughters was still draped around high cheekbones and woven into embroidered trim. It was never her intention to come off as forward, but rather, to come off as generous, as fair, as wholesome and bright in her dealings. Maybe it was a product of trauma or childbirth, how the two aspects intertwined in all contexts, but especially hers, but she had an innate drive to bring security to her interfaces.
His strafe backwards put a sour taste in her mouth. Folding her hands and diverting her gaze, Iaheru puckers for but a moment before stumbling on the right words to say through a haze of evenings past. It was then her eyes fell on her daughter Neithotep, a strange pull in her stomach unsettling her, rocking on her heels as present and past bleed over her daughter's face.
Rocking on her heels, Iaheru thumbs over a large tumbled lapis at the crest of her collar, nodding her head as realizes Narmer is referring to Akhenaten, not Sutekh. "I'll have it arranged, I'm sure we can all come to a fruitful afternoon." Iaheru winks, regaining her famed demeanor. Perfume wafts heavily in the air, Iaheru's nose tickling with the festivities laced with opium and weaker wine.
When Narmer stepped back, it was then that Iaheru remembered her mark. Had this been years prior, perhaps the man would have leaned into the congenial embrace. The beauty that radiated from her to her daughters was still draped around high cheekbones and woven into embroidered trim. It was never her intention to come off as forward, but rather, to come off as generous, as fair, as wholesome and bright in her dealings. Maybe it was a product of trauma or childbirth, how the two aspects intertwined in all contexts, but especially hers, but she had an innate drive to bring security to her interfaces.
His strafe backwards put a sour taste in her mouth. Folding her hands and diverting her gaze, Iaheru puckers for but a moment before stumbling on the right words to say through a haze of evenings past. It was then her eyes fell on her daughter Neithotep, a strange pull in her stomach unsettling her, rocking on her heels as present and past bleed over her daughter's face.
Rocking on her heels, Iaheru thumbs over a large tumbled lapis at the crest of her collar, nodding her head as realizes Narmer is referring to Akhenaten, not Sutekh. "I'll have it arranged, I'm sure we can all come to a fruitful afternoon." Iaheru winks, regaining her famed demeanor. Perfume wafts heavily in the air, Iaheru's nose tickling with the festivities laced with opium and weaker wine.
Her eyes met his across the garden, something which had Narmer scrambling in his head for a split second, before he allowed the soft smile on his lips to grow just a little in acknowledgement of the young lady of Hei Sheifa. She was a beautiful specimen of the fairer sex, and as that tendril of an idea began to take root and grow further in his head, Narmer could not see why it would be a bad idea. He doubted his sister-in-law would have anything against it either... but neither could he just waltz in with an idea like that and offer nothing in return.
Turning back just in time to catch Iaheru's rocked on her heels as her gaze slid away from her daughter's, the same visage Narmer had laid his eyes upon just moments ago, he raised a brow at her light tease, and chuckled in return. While he knew himself to be cautious, Narmer also knew he couldn't risk accidentally offending the Hei's, and as such, it was a thin line in between respect and understanding the current societal standing that the man treaded on.
This was why he had always preferred military command to taking up the mantle of leading a Hei.
"I await and am excited for such an opportunity, Sirdsett Iaheru. It has been far too long since our Hei's have had a chance to connect, and I wish for further fruitful conversations between us." he returned with a chuckle. Letting his gaze roam across the crowds, the man's eyes fell upon a familiar silvery head, and a smile curled his lips upwards before turning to Iaheru. "I see an old friend, perhaps you'd like to accompany me to visit with him?" he murmured.
Offering an arm to the lady, the young Hei leader led them weaving through the light crowd in his saraayaa's gardens, exchanging the occasional kind word before he finally fond his way to the side of the scholar in service to the pharoah and Queen herself. Zoser wasn't exactly someone Narmer was overly familiar with, but he appreciated the elder man's wit and intellect, something rare in a breed of men of hot blood and keen for war. "Zoser, it has been a while since we last exchanged words." Narmer greeted, holding his half-filled tankard of beer up as he gestured at the lady next to him. "You know Sirdsett Iaheru of Hei Sheifa?"
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Her eyes met his across the garden, something which had Narmer scrambling in his head for a split second, before he allowed the soft smile on his lips to grow just a little in acknowledgement of the young lady of Hei Sheifa. She was a beautiful specimen of the fairer sex, and as that tendril of an idea began to take root and grow further in his head, Narmer could not see why it would be a bad idea. He doubted his sister-in-law would have anything against it either... but neither could he just waltz in with an idea like that and offer nothing in return.
Turning back just in time to catch Iaheru's rocked on her heels as her gaze slid away from her daughter's, the same visage Narmer had laid his eyes upon just moments ago, he raised a brow at her light tease, and chuckled in return. While he knew himself to be cautious, Narmer also knew he couldn't risk accidentally offending the Hei's, and as such, it was a thin line in between respect and understanding the current societal standing that the man treaded on.
This was why he had always preferred military command to taking up the mantle of leading a Hei.
"I await and am excited for such an opportunity, Sirdsett Iaheru. It has been far too long since our Hei's have had a chance to connect, and I wish for further fruitful conversations between us." he returned with a chuckle. Letting his gaze roam across the crowds, the man's eyes fell upon a familiar silvery head, and a smile curled his lips upwards before turning to Iaheru. "I see an old friend, perhaps you'd like to accompany me to visit with him?" he murmured.
Offering an arm to the lady, the young Hei leader led them weaving through the light crowd in his saraayaa's gardens, exchanging the occasional kind word before he finally fond his way to the side of the scholar in service to the pharoah and Queen herself. Zoser wasn't exactly someone Narmer was overly familiar with, but he appreciated the elder man's wit and intellect, something rare in a breed of men of hot blood and keen for war. "Zoser, it has been a while since we last exchanged words." Narmer greeted, holding his half-filled tankard of beer up as he gestured at the lady next to him. "You know Sirdsett Iaheru of Hei Sheifa?"
Her eyes met his across the garden, something which had Narmer scrambling in his head for a split second, before he allowed the soft smile on his lips to grow just a little in acknowledgement of the young lady of Hei Sheifa. She was a beautiful specimen of the fairer sex, and as that tendril of an idea began to take root and grow further in his head, Narmer could not see why it would be a bad idea. He doubted his sister-in-law would have anything against it either... but neither could he just waltz in with an idea like that and offer nothing in return.
Turning back just in time to catch Iaheru's rocked on her heels as her gaze slid away from her daughter's, the same visage Narmer had laid his eyes upon just moments ago, he raised a brow at her light tease, and chuckled in return. While he knew himself to be cautious, Narmer also knew he couldn't risk accidentally offending the Hei's, and as such, it was a thin line in between respect and understanding the current societal standing that the man treaded on.
This was why he had always preferred military command to taking up the mantle of leading a Hei.
"I await and am excited for such an opportunity, Sirdsett Iaheru. It has been far too long since our Hei's have had a chance to connect, and I wish for further fruitful conversations between us." he returned with a chuckle. Letting his gaze roam across the crowds, the man's eyes fell upon a familiar silvery head, and a smile curled his lips upwards before turning to Iaheru. "I see an old friend, perhaps you'd like to accompany me to visit with him?" he murmured.
Offering an arm to the lady, the young Hei leader led them weaving through the light crowd in his saraayaa's gardens, exchanging the occasional kind word before he finally fond his way to the side of the scholar in service to the pharoah and Queen herself. Zoser wasn't exactly someone Narmer was overly familiar with, but he appreciated the elder man's wit and intellect, something rare in a breed of men of hot blood and keen for war. "Zoser, it has been a while since we last exchanged words." Narmer greeted, holding his half-filled tankard of beer up as he gestured at the lady next to him. "You know Sirdsett Iaheru of Hei Sheifa?"
Throughout the evening, Zoser had chosen to nurse a pewter chalice of a honeyed beer, which bore more sweetness to it than bitterness. There was wine present at the engagement, but the scholar felt as though he could never bring himself to drink the diluted excuse for a beverage. On the rare case that he savored an offered glass of the stuff, he found himself tempering his expression as the watered-down abomination sat on his tongue moments too long, leaving an aftertaste resembling vinegar that seemed to last hours.
All wines in Egypt paled in comparison to those of Greece. On rare occasion when he ventured to Alexandria, he could find a reputable merchant who provided him with as many ceramic bottles of Taengean or Athenian wine as he could have subtley delivered to his home in Cairo. It kept well, for the most part, though careless merchants had mishandled it in the past and lost his business.
Midway through a wish that the chalice of beer in his hand would turn to wine, he heard his name and swallowed quickly as he turned his head to see the young Head of Hei Haikaddad approaching, accompanied by a distantly familiar face. As unfortunate as it was, circumstance had it that he could only recognize important women of the Heis if they were on the arm of their Councilman husband. Knowing that Narmer was unmarried, Zoser nodded in appreciation at the introduction.
"Ah, well-met, General," Zoser offered, his broad smile crinkling the lines that fanned out from the far corners of his eyes as he reciprocated his raised glass with his own chalice. "Too long indeed, though I can imagine so with a full house and a duty as host for the evening keeping you preoccupied. Though, your efforts shine. Well done." He tilted his head out, indicating the lovely spread and communion across the gardens.
"Indeed. We are acquainted through the Sirdar," he began, though quickly adding a light charm to his voice as he added, with a sly bow, "Though I am pleased to see her beauty radiate so closely. I may go blind." The woman's beauty and scandal were no secret among the court, as Sutekh had become so visibly present within the palace walls, bearing his new surname. "Sirdsett, I hope you are enjoying your evening, thus far. Our host has truly outdone himself, has he not?"
Zoser resisted speaking of the news that had just been announced, not quite trusting his tongue to speak on it just yet. Perhaps a few more splashes of honey-beer across his tongue would help him find a way to carefully place a phrase or so to indicate his thoughts without causing scandal himself.
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Throughout the evening, Zoser had chosen to nurse a pewter chalice of a honeyed beer, which bore more sweetness to it than bitterness. There was wine present at the engagement, but the scholar felt as though he could never bring himself to drink the diluted excuse for a beverage. On the rare case that he savored an offered glass of the stuff, he found himself tempering his expression as the watered-down abomination sat on his tongue moments too long, leaving an aftertaste resembling vinegar that seemed to last hours.
All wines in Egypt paled in comparison to those of Greece. On rare occasion when he ventured to Alexandria, he could find a reputable merchant who provided him with as many ceramic bottles of Taengean or Athenian wine as he could have subtley delivered to his home in Cairo. It kept well, for the most part, though careless merchants had mishandled it in the past and lost his business.
Midway through a wish that the chalice of beer in his hand would turn to wine, he heard his name and swallowed quickly as he turned his head to see the young Head of Hei Haikaddad approaching, accompanied by a distantly familiar face. As unfortunate as it was, circumstance had it that he could only recognize important women of the Heis if they were on the arm of their Councilman husband. Knowing that Narmer was unmarried, Zoser nodded in appreciation at the introduction.
"Ah, well-met, General," Zoser offered, his broad smile crinkling the lines that fanned out from the far corners of his eyes as he reciprocated his raised glass with his own chalice. "Too long indeed, though I can imagine so with a full house and a duty as host for the evening keeping you preoccupied. Though, your efforts shine. Well done." He tilted his head out, indicating the lovely spread and communion across the gardens.
"Indeed. We are acquainted through the Sirdar," he began, though quickly adding a light charm to his voice as he added, with a sly bow, "Though I am pleased to see her beauty radiate so closely. I may go blind." The woman's beauty and scandal were no secret among the court, as Sutekh had become so visibly present within the palace walls, bearing his new surname. "Sirdsett, I hope you are enjoying your evening, thus far. Our host has truly outdone himself, has he not?"
Zoser resisted speaking of the news that had just been announced, not quite trusting his tongue to speak on it just yet. Perhaps a few more splashes of honey-beer across his tongue would help him find a way to carefully place a phrase or so to indicate his thoughts without causing scandal himself.
Throughout the evening, Zoser had chosen to nurse a pewter chalice of a honeyed beer, which bore more sweetness to it than bitterness. There was wine present at the engagement, but the scholar felt as though he could never bring himself to drink the diluted excuse for a beverage. On the rare case that he savored an offered glass of the stuff, he found himself tempering his expression as the watered-down abomination sat on his tongue moments too long, leaving an aftertaste resembling vinegar that seemed to last hours.
All wines in Egypt paled in comparison to those of Greece. On rare occasion when he ventured to Alexandria, he could find a reputable merchant who provided him with as many ceramic bottles of Taengean or Athenian wine as he could have subtley delivered to his home in Cairo. It kept well, for the most part, though careless merchants had mishandled it in the past and lost his business.
Midway through a wish that the chalice of beer in his hand would turn to wine, he heard his name and swallowed quickly as he turned his head to see the young Head of Hei Haikaddad approaching, accompanied by a distantly familiar face. As unfortunate as it was, circumstance had it that he could only recognize important women of the Heis if they were on the arm of their Councilman husband. Knowing that Narmer was unmarried, Zoser nodded in appreciation at the introduction.
"Ah, well-met, General," Zoser offered, his broad smile crinkling the lines that fanned out from the far corners of his eyes as he reciprocated his raised glass with his own chalice. "Too long indeed, though I can imagine so with a full house and a duty as host for the evening keeping you preoccupied. Though, your efforts shine. Well done." He tilted his head out, indicating the lovely spread and communion across the gardens.
"Indeed. We are acquainted through the Sirdar," he began, though quickly adding a light charm to his voice as he added, with a sly bow, "Though I am pleased to see her beauty radiate so closely. I may go blind." The woman's beauty and scandal were no secret among the court, as Sutekh had become so visibly present within the palace walls, bearing his new surname. "Sirdsett, I hope you are enjoying your evening, thus far. Our host has truly outdone himself, has he not?"
Zoser resisted speaking of the news that had just been announced, not quite trusting his tongue to speak on it just yet. Perhaps a few more splashes of honey-beer across his tongue would help him find a way to carefully place a phrase or so to indicate his thoughts without causing scandal himself.
Iaheru nodded, the heaviness of earrings grazing against the hollows of her cheeks. She laid her arm atop of Narmer's offered limb, her fiery side wishing to snub him the way he refused her, yet, it was the curse of women to be held to a different standard, even in Egypt. How she pitied the rigidity of the Judeans, mourning the women who never lived fully under the stringent expectations of purity. Though she chose modesty, she was pleased that her daughters weren't punished as harshly for their liberal tastes.
The night hung off of the anchored stars, the evening chill tightening around her spine and straightening her back to an impossible perch. She'd have to fetch a retainer to bring her a shawl, though her stiffened appearance wouldn't be an oddity considering her character.
As they approached the silvery man, his eyes glazed with celebration and spirits, Iaheru lightly tapped against Narmer's wrist. "You keep good company."
Iaheru's commendation was interrupted by Zoser's personability, the weaker drinks seemingly easing the words from his mouth. Although, if one knew Zoser, they knew that his mouth didn't need much alcohol to open up and spill words so beautifully laced together they surpassed the golden tongue of her husband, the trader. Iaheru felt heat creep through her cheekbones as her skin prickles from the evening chill, her eyes diverted from the lines of a handsome face. "It's always a pleasure, Zoser, even with your embellishment," she released Narmer's arm, winking at the older man with fondness. "The General has certainly entertained me this evening. Now, with your company and the news, I cannot see how the night could be more sublime." Her eyebrow twitched upwards, her eyes telling an alternate tale, as it would be no secret that their Hei would vehemently oppose any war.
Much like herself, Zoser's reputation preceded him. Such was the nature of infamy. "You must tell me something. Something that would surprise me. I asked this of Narmer earlier."And I wasn't surprised, Iaheru thought to herself. The reaction Narmer gave was more surprising than the content of the revelation, yet, Iaheru expected this. Very rarely did young men surprise her. Experience and excellence yielded to intrigue, and very rarely did young men possess experience that rivaled her own. "And as you said, he has truly outdone himself. You should relieve him of entertaining me, at the very least, to lessen his burden."
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Iaheru nodded, the heaviness of earrings grazing against the hollows of her cheeks. She laid her arm atop of Narmer's offered limb, her fiery side wishing to snub him the way he refused her, yet, it was the curse of women to be held to a different standard, even in Egypt. How she pitied the rigidity of the Judeans, mourning the women who never lived fully under the stringent expectations of purity. Though she chose modesty, she was pleased that her daughters weren't punished as harshly for their liberal tastes.
The night hung off of the anchored stars, the evening chill tightening around her spine and straightening her back to an impossible perch. She'd have to fetch a retainer to bring her a shawl, though her stiffened appearance wouldn't be an oddity considering her character.
As they approached the silvery man, his eyes glazed with celebration and spirits, Iaheru lightly tapped against Narmer's wrist. "You keep good company."
Iaheru's commendation was interrupted by Zoser's personability, the weaker drinks seemingly easing the words from his mouth. Although, if one knew Zoser, they knew that his mouth didn't need much alcohol to open up and spill words so beautifully laced together they surpassed the golden tongue of her husband, the trader. Iaheru felt heat creep through her cheekbones as her skin prickles from the evening chill, her eyes diverted from the lines of a handsome face. "It's always a pleasure, Zoser, even with your embellishment," she released Narmer's arm, winking at the older man with fondness. "The General has certainly entertained me this evening. Now, with your company and the news, I cannot see how the night could be more sublime." Her eyebrow twitched upwards, her eyes telling an alternate tale, as it would be no secret that their Hei would vehemently oppose any war.
Much like herself, Zoser's reputation preceded him. Such was the nature of infamy. "You must tell me something. Something that would surprise me. I asked this of Narmer earlier."And I wasn't surprised, Iaheru thought to herself. The reaction Narmer gave was more surprising than the content of the revelation, yet, Iaheru expected this. Very rarely did young men surprise her. Experience and excellence yielded to intrigue, and very rarely did young men possess experience that rivaled her own. "And as you said, he has truly outdone himself. You should relieve him of entertaining me, at the very least, to lessen his burden."
Iaheru nodded, the heaviness of earrings grazing against the hollows of her cheeks. She laid her arm atop of Narmer's offered limb, her fiery side wishing to snub him the way he refused her, yet, it was the curse of women to be held to a different standard, even in Egypt. How she pitied the rigidity of the Judeans, mourning the women who never lived fully under the stringent expectations of purity. Though she chose modesty, she was pleased that her daughters weren't punished as harshly for their liberal tastes.
The night hung off of the anchored stars, the evening chill tightening around her spine and straightening her back to an impossible perch. She'd have to fetch a retainer to bring her a shawl, though her stiffened appearance wouldn't be an oddity considering her character.
As they approached the silvery man, his eyes glazed with celebration and spirits, Iaheru lightly tapped against Narmer's wrist. "You keep good company."
Iaheru's commendation was interrupted by Zoser's personability, the weaker drinks seemingly easing the words from his mouth. Although, if one knew Zoser, they knew that his mouth didn't need much alcohol to open up and spill words so beautifully laced together they surpassed the golden tongue of her husband, the trader. Iaheru felt heat creep through her cheekbones as her skin prickles from the evening chill, her eyes diverted from the lines of a handsome face. "It's always a pleasure, Zoser, even with your embellishment," she released Narmer's arm, winking at the older man with fondness. "The General has certainly entertained me this evening. Now, with your company and the news, I cannot see how the night could be more sublime." Her eyebrow twitched upwards, her eyes telling an alternate tale, as it would be no secret that their Hei would vehemently oppose any war.
Much like herself, Zoser's reputation preceded him. Such was the nature of infamy. "You must tell me something. Something that would surprise me. I asked this of Narmer earlier."And I wasn't surprised, Iaheru thought to herself. The reaction Narmer gave was more surprising than the content of the revelation, yet, Iaheru expected this. Very rarely did young men surprise her. Experience and excellence yielded to intrigue, and very rarely did young men possess experience that rivaled her own. "And as you said, he has truly outdone himself. You should relieve him of entertaining me, at the very least, to lessen his burden."
Narmer took the offered hand of the scholar, returning it with a firm handshake and a friendly smile. Despite the many rumors that surrounded his livelihood and circumstances that led to his appearance in court, Narmer was a man who preferred to not dabble with rumors, and took measure of a man as he saw them. And what he saw of Zoser of Thebes pointed to the older man being one of great value and with a kind heart, especially if he went by the way which he treated the young princess. His position was, to Narmer's knowledge, secure enough in its place, that his words held great importance in regards to scholarly pursuits and knowledgeable matters within the circles of Egyptian nobility.
"It would please my sister-in-law to know her touch at being hostess has not waned." he replied in kind. The Haikaddad Hei has long since last held a proper dinner party of any kind hosting the members of other Hei's. They simply did not have the funds, and it has been a few years since Na'meah had last played hostess. But from Narmer's view tonight, the woman had not lost her touch.
Stepping back to allow the scholar and the lady of Hei Sheifa to get acquainted, the man laughed at her tricky question to Zoser. He could see why Onuphrious had been so smitten with Iaheru in their marriage, and why the old pharoah had chosen her to share his bed, which resulted in the family fiasco that was whispered in every Hei and alley today. It was no closed secret regarding the young Queen's newly inducted sibling, but neither was Narmer stupid enough to bring it up now.
So instead, he turned to Zoser with a commiserating look in his eye. "I'm an open book here. No surprising secrets to bestow upon the Sirdsett. Perhaps you could help me out?" he implored with a joking light in his eyes.
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Narmer took the offered hand of the scholar, returning it with a firm handshake and a friendly smile. Despite the many rumors that surrounded his livelihood and circumstances that led to his appearance in court, Narmer was a man who preferred to not dabble with rumors, and took measure of a man as he saw them. And what he saw of Zoser of Thebes pointed to the older man being one of great value and with a kind heart, especially if he went by the way which he treated the young princess. His position was, to Narmer's knowledge, secure enough in its place, that his words held great importance in regards to scholarly pursuits and knowledgeable matters within the circles of Egyptian nobility.
"It would please my sister-in-law to know her touch at being hostess has not waned." he replied in kind. The Haikaddad Hei has long since last held a proper dinner party of any kind hosting the members of other Hei's. They simply did not have the funds, and it has been a few years since Na'meah had last played hostess. But from Narmer's view tonight, the woman had not lost her touch.
Stepping back to allow the scholar and the lady of Hei Sheifa to get acquainted, the man laughed at her tricky question to Zoser. He could see why Onuphrious had been so smitten with Iaheru in their marriage, and why the old pharoah had chosen her to share his bed, which resulted in the family fiasco that was whispered in every Hei and alley today. It was no closed secret regarding the young Queen's newly inducted sibling, but neither was Narmer stupid enough to bring it up now.
So instead, he turned to Zoser with a commiserating look in his eye. "I'm an open book here. No surprising secrets to bestow upon the Sirdsett. Perhaps you could help me out?" he implored with a joking light in his eyes.
Narmer took the offered hand of the scholar, returning it with a firm handshake and a friendly smile. Despite the many rumors that surrounded his livelihood and circumstances that led to his appearance in court, Narmer was a man who preferred to not dabble with rumors, and took measure of a man as he saw them. And what he saw of Zoser of Thebes pointed to the older man being one of great value and with a kind heart, especially if he went by the way which he treated the young princess. His position was, to Narmer's knowledge, secure enough in its place, that his words held great importance in regards to scholarly pursuits and knowledgeable matters within the circles of Egyptian nobility.
"It would please my sister-in-law to know her touch at being hostess has not waned." he replied in kind. The Haikaddad Hei has long since last held a proper dinner party of any kind hosting the members of other Hei's. They simply did not have the funds, and it has been a few years since Na'meah had last played hostess. But from Narmer's view tonight, the woman had not lost her touch.
Stepping back to allow the scholar and the lady of Hei Sheifa to get acquainted, the man laughed at her tricky question to Zoser. He could see why Onuphrious had been so smitten with Iaheru in their marriage, and why the old pharoah had chosen her to share his bed, which resulted in the family fiasco that was whispered in every Hei and alley today. It was no closed secret regarding the young Queen's newly inducted sibling, but neither was Narmer stupid enough to bring it up now.
So instead, he turned to Zoser with a commiserating look in his eye. "I'm an open book here. No surprising secrets to bestow upon the Sirdsett. Perhaps you could help me out?" he implored with a joking light in his eyes.
Ah, at last. This was the company he had craved for the night, all clever conversations that played through expressions of the face that peppered truth into the standard sweet words offered. As always though, he proceeded with caution - the court was known for being a nest of vipers, and while one could maintain a career charming serpents, there was always the chance of being struck in the fraction of a moment. Such damage done could be irreparable.
Iaheru was a casualty of such a strike, though of her own accord in its way. It was a folly of the past that had permanent consequences. Bastards were born every day, and Zoser was living proof that sometimes, it was better for such things not to be known. Curious as to how the truth had managed to be set free, partially as a warning tale for himself but also out of sheer human wondering, he kept these thoughts tied tightly into the crevices of his mind.
"Then, if you would do the honor of offering her my compliments for a wonderful evening, if I do not see her before departing tonight," Zoser added, knowing how protective the young general could be of his family. The two men were similar in a nature, cerebral and sensitive, which could be mistaken for softness in some cases. At least Narmer had the benefit of a soldier's calling to prevent suffering any such accusations. Still, those who kept their minds sharper than the swords in their sheaths were cherished in Zoser's eyes.
A thick, black brow lifted at the noblewoman's expression paired with her words. There was no secret that there were some in Egypt who preferred a world at peace - Zoser being one of them, and if deduced correctly, so was Lady Iaheru. By profession, he knew Narmer would partake in whatever orders were given to him, though he knew the man's balancing act when it came to his role as Head of Hei for Haikkadad left him with rather visible preferences. Zoser held the slightest of understanding smirks and a side-eye before holding eyecontact with the Egyptian beauty while he refreshed himself with another sip. At her request for something 'surprising', and he immediately glanced to Narmer's amused expression, raising a brow yet again. Apparently, this was a game that had been played earlier in the night and the scholar had become a new target.
"Ah, well, let me see what I may be at liberty to say," he teased, feigning to wrack his mind through state secrets as he he lifted a tapping finger to his lips. It was the beauty of his highly-favored position - it came with a mystique that allowed others to wonder what exactly it was that he knew. Apart from the different preferences of the Pharoah or the Queen's innermost thoughts on philosophy, the answer was 'not much' when it came to any information that would be good for gossip. However, there were enough things that his observant nature allowed him to overhear that kept him apprised. Still, not one to appear a gossip, particularly with a woman whose name and reputation had just been wrung through the mud, he decided on a healthy dose of self-deprecation.
"Ah, I heard," he started, feigning the return of a sharp memory, a sly grin on his lips as his glass hovered close to them, "That I am secretly the owner of a network of opium dens and brothels in Alexandria, and that is how I can afford the rarest of tomes for the Archives. Congratulations to me, I suppose. I shall have to visit them."
Zoser's eyes crinkled into a laugh as he sipped his honeyed wine again, watching their expressions. The benefit of his 'low' birth allowed for such jesting, though his position within the Palace allowed for it in such company, particularly in that it was clearly a jest. And yet, he hoped that through such a joke, he fulfilled the Lady of H'Sheifa's request.
"Surprising enough, Sirdsett?"
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Ah, at last. This was the company he had craved for the night, all clever conversations that played through expressions of the face that peppered truth into the standard sweet words offered. As always though, he proceeded with caution - the court was known for being a nest of vipers, and while one could maintain a career charming serpents, there was always the chance of being struck in the fraction of a moment. Such damage done could be irreparable.
Iaheru was a casualty of such a strike, though of her own accord in its way. It was a folly of the past that had permanent consequences. Bastards were born every day, and Zoser was living proof that sometimes, it was better for such things not to be known. Curious as to how the truth had managed to be set free, partially as a warning tale for himself but also out of sheer human wondering, he kept these thoughts tied tightly into the crevices of his mind.
"Then, if you would do the honor of offering her my compliments for a wonderful evening, if I do not see her before departing tonight," Zoser added, knowing how protective the young general could be of his family. The two men were similar in a nature, cerebral and sensitive, which could be mistaken for softness in some cases. At least Narmer had the benefit of a soldier's calling to prevent suffering any such accusations. Still, those who kept their minds sharper than the swords in their sheaths were cherished in Zoser's eyes.
A thick, black brow lifted at the noblewoman's expression paired with her words. There was no secret that there were some in Egypt who preferred a world at peace - Zoser being one of them, and if deduced correctly, so was Lady Iaheru. By profession, he knew Narmer would partake in whatever orders were given to him, though he knew the man's balancing act when it came to his role as Head of Hei for Haikkadad left him with rather visible preferences. Zoser held the slightest of understanding smirks and a side-eye before holding eyecontact with the Egyptian beauty while he refreshed himself with another sip. At her request for something 'surprising', and he immediately glanced to Narmer's amused expression, raising a brow yet again. Apparently, this was a game that had been played earlier in the night and the scholar had become a new target.
"Ah, well, let me see what I may be at liberty to say," he teased, feigning to wrack his mind through state secrets as he he lifted a tapping finger to his lips. It was the beauty of his highly-favored position - it came with a mystique that allowed others to wonder what exactly it was that he knew. Apart from the different preferences of the Pharoah or the Queen's innermost thoughts on philosophy, the answer was 'not much' when it came to any information that would be good for gossip. However, there were enough things that his observant nature allowed him to overhear that kept him apprised. Still, not one to appear a gossip, particularly with a woman whose name and reputation had just been wrung through the mud, he decided on a healthy dose of self-deprecation.
"Ah, I heard," he started, feigning the return of a sharp memory, a sly grin on his lips as his glass hovered close to them, "That I am secretly the owner of a network of opium dens and brothels in Alexandria, and that is how I can afford the rarest of tomes for the Archives. Congratulations to me, I suppose. I shall have to visit them."
Zoser's eyes crinkled into a laugh as he sipped his honeyed wine again, watching their expressions. The benefit of his 'low' birth allowed for such jesting, though his position within the Palace allowed for it in such company, particularly in that it was clearly a jest. And yet, he hoped that through such a joke, he fulfilled the Lady of H'Sheifa's request.
"Surprising enough, Sirdsett?"
Ah, at last. This was the company he had craved for the night, all clever conversations that played through expressions of the face that peppered truth into the standard sweet words offered. As always though, he proceeded with caution - the court was known for being a nest of vipers, and while one could maintain a career charming serpents, there was always the chance of being struck in the fraction of a moment. Such damage done could be irreparable.
Iaheru was a casualty of such a strike, though of her own accord in its way. It was a folly of the past that had permanent consequences. Bastards were born every day, and Zoser was living proof that sometimes, it was better for such things not to be known. Curious as to how the truth had managed to be set free, partially as a warning tale for himself but also out of sheer human wondering, he kept these thoughts tied tightly into the crevices of his mind.
"Then, if you would do the honor of offering her my compliments for a wonderful evening, if I do not see her before departing tonight," Zoser added, knowing how protective the young general could be of his family. The two men were similar in a nature, cerebral and sensitive, which could be mistaken for softness in some cases. At least Narmer had the benefit of a soldier's calling to prevent suffering any such accusations. Still, those who kept their minds sharper than the swords in their sheaths were cherished in Zoser's eyes.
A thick, black brow lifted at the noblewoman's expression paired with her words. There was no secret that there were some in Egypt who preferred a world at peace - Zoser being one of them, and if deduced correctly, so was Lady Iaheru. By profession, he knew Narmer would partake in whatever orders were given to him, though he knew the man's balancing act when it came to his role as Head of Hei for Haikkadad left him with rather visible preferences. Zoser held the slightest of understanding smirks and a side-eye before holding eyecontact with the Egyptian beauty while he refreshed himself with another sip. At her request for something 'surprising', and he immediately glanced to Narmer's amused expression, raising a brow yet again. Apparently, this was a game that had been played earlier in the night and the scholar had become a new target.
"Ah, well, let me see what I may be at liberty to say," he teased, feigning to wrack his mind through state secrets as he he lifted a tapping finger to his lips. It was the beauty of his highly-favored position - it came with a mystique that allowed others to wonder what exactly it was that he knew. Apart from the different preferences of the Pharoah or the Queen's innermost thoughts on philosophy, the answer was 'not much' when it came to any information that would be good for gossip. However, there were enough things that his observant nature allowed him to overhear that kept him apprised. Still, not one to appear a gossip, particularly with a woman whose name and reputation had just been wrung through the mud, he decided on a healthy dose of self-deprecation.
"Ah, I heard," he started, feigning the return of a sharp memory, a sly grin on his lips as his glass hovered close to them, "That I am secretly the owner of a network of opium dens and brothels in Alexandria, and that is how I can afford the rarest of tomes for the Archives. Congratulations to me, I suppose. I shall have to visit them."
Zoser's eyes crinkled into a laugh as he sipped his honeyed wine again, watching their expressions. The benefit of his 'low' birth allowed for such jesting, though his position within the Palace allowed for it in such company, particularly in that it was clearly a jest. And yet, he hoped that through such a joke, he fulfilled the Lady of H'Sheifa's request.
"Surprising enough, Sirdsett?"
Iaheru beamed at Zoser’s warmness, though she expected no less of an accomodating academic that doted on the young queen. Iaheru witnessed teachings of Zoser of Thebes through Queen Hathesput and her tolerance of Sutekh. Though Iaheru’s fall from grace was a tragedy of setting, how her spine prickled from the memory of touch, ringed fingers phantomly ravaging young skin, her name was tinged with righteous deception. The only person that deserved her apology was Onuphrious, but even then, she had reservations stemming his explosive range that tore the woman into two distinct miseries.
If only they knew, Iaheru would tell herself, running her fingernails beneath one another. If only they knew how the decision that would define her life felt in that sporadic moment. The look of her husband’s joy as she delivered her first son. The weight she held tensely in her lower back with the overwhelming truth that Sutekh was not Onuphrious’s blood. From the moment he writhed, Iaheru knew his nature and knew she would be tasked with redeeming the sins of Sutekh’s father. If only they knew what that felt like, maybe, or probably not, they would understand her deception.
In many ways, she was relieved that the secret came out when it did. Judgement was the tempo that mandated Iaheru’s entire existence. Her worship of Anubis was intuitive, all-encompassing, and mindless. To Iaheru, Anubis was the only God that truly mattered, as Goddesses like Hathor governed the conditions of temporary life whereas Anubis was the guide to the overwhelming permanence of death.
These truths existed in the background of her mind at the party, barely tangible. The event was demarcated by its breathability. The night air hampered the severity of Egyptian revelry. Perfume cones didn’t hang so intensely in the back of one’s throat. Acidic wine sept over the palate, cleansing the tongue for new tastings. “Aha!” A chuckle formed on plush lips framed by eyes that thrived with lively glimmer. Truly, Iaheru had not let a bitter life change her, at least, it had not altered her public persona. “Now that is intriguing.” Iaheru knew of many things, and surely, the forked tongues of the court hissed in her ear still, even after her standing suffered drastic casualty. Onuphrious would know for sure, but they had not spoken meaningfully in quite some time.
“Now that I think of it, I believe that we may be among some of the more traveled members of the court. What with your service, Zoser’s studiousness, and my Hei’s affects and affairs,” she realized the poor choice of words and took a pause before immediately beginning her next thought. “I suppose we all have had distinct memories of our time away from Egypt’s perfection. What fond memories do you have of lands afar?” Iaheru felt particularly emboldened in her words tonight, the fog of wine dusted her vision, but remaining cognizant enough to speak pointedly elegant. This recklessness was in part due to her pariah status, one of the few luxuries the whispering and darting eyes allowed her was the cover of scandal. If all attention was diverted to a forced touch so many moons ago, truly, Iaheru could speak more freely without the burden of concealment.
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Iaheru beamed at Zoser’s warmness, though she expected no less of an accomodating academic that doted on the young queen. Iaheru witnessed teachings of Zoser of Thebes through Queen Hathesput and her tolerance of Sutekh. Though Iaheru’s fall from grace was a tragedy of setting, how her spine prickled from the memory of touch, ringed fingers phantomly ravaging young skin, her name was tinged with righteous deception. The only person that deserved her apology was Onuphrious, but even then, she had reservations stemming his explosive range that tore the woman into two distinct miseries.
If only they knew, Iaheru would tell herself, running her fingernails beneath one another. If only they knew how the decision that would define her life felt in that sporadic moment. The look of her husband’s joy as she delivered her first son. The weight she held tensely in her lower back with the overwhelming truth that Sutekh was not Onuphrious’s blood. From the moment he writhed, Iaheru knew his nature and knew she would be tasked with redeeming the sins of Sutekh’s father. If only they knew what that felt like, maybe, or probably not, they would understand her deception.
In many ways, she was relieved that the secret came out when it did. Judgement was the tempo that mandated Iaheru’s entire existence. Her worship of Anubis was intuitive, all-encompassing, and mindless. To Iaheru, Anubis was the only God that truly mattered, as Goddesses like Hathor governed the conditions of temporary life whereas Anubis was the guide to the overwhelming permanence of death.
These truths existed in the background of her mind at the party, barely tangible. The event was demarcated by its breathability. The night air hampered the severity of Egyptian revelry. Perfume cones didn’t hang so intensely in the back of one’s throat. Acidic wine sept over the palate, cleansing the tongue for new tastings. “Aha!” A chuckle formed on plush lips framed by eyes that thrived with lively glimmer. Truly, Iaheru had not let a bitter life change her, at least, it had not altered her public persona. “Now that is intriguing.” Iaheru knew of many things, and surely, the forked tongues of the court hissed in her ear still, even after her standing suffered drastic casualty. Onuphrious would know for sure, but they had not spoken meaningfully in quite some time.
“Now that I think of it, I believe that we may be among some of the more traveled members of the court. What with your service, Zoser’s studiousness, and my Hei’s affects and affairs,” she realized the poor choice of words and took a pause before immediately beginning her next thought. “I suppose we all have had distinct memories of our time away from Egypt’s perfection. What fond memories do you have of lands afar?” Iaheru felt particularly emboldened in her words tonight, the fog of wine dusted her vision, but remaining cognizant enough to speak pointedly elegant. This recklessness was in part due to her pariah status, one of the few luxuries the whispering and darting eyes allowed her was the cover of scandal. If all attention was diverted to a forced touch so many moons ago, truly, Iaheru could speak more freely without the burden of concealment.
Iaheru beamed at Zoser’s warmness, though she expected no less of an accomodating academic that doted on the young queen. Iaheru witnessed teachings of Zoser of Thebes through Queen Hathesput and her tolerance of Sutekh. Though Iaheru’s fall from grace was a tragedy of setting, how her spine prickled from the memory of touch, ringed fingers phantomly ravaging young skin, her name was tinged with righteous deception. The only person that deserved her apology was Onuphrious, but even then, she had reservations stemming his explosive range that tore the woman into two distinct miseries.
If only they knew, Iaheru would tell herself, running her fingernails beneath one another. If only they knew how the decision that would define her life felt in that sporadic moment. The look of her husband’s joy as she delivered her first son. The weight she held tensely in her lower back with the overwhelming truth that Sutekh was not Onuphrious’s blood. From the moment he writhed, Iaheru knew his nature and knew she would be tasked with redeeming the sins of Sutekh’s father. If only they knew what that felt like, maybe, or probably not, they would understand her deception.
In many ways, she was relieved that the secret came out when it did. Judgement was the tempo that mandated Iaheru’s entire existence. Her worship of Anubis was intuitive, all-encompassing, and mindless. To Iaheru, Anubis was the only God that truly mattered, as Goddesses like Hathor governed the conditions of temporary life whereas Anubis was the guide to the overwhelming permanence of death.
These truths existed in the background of her mind at the party, barely tangible. The event was demarcated by its breathability. The night air hampered the severity of Egyptian revelry. Perfume cones didn’t hang so intensely in the back of one’s throat. Acidic wine sept over the palate, cleansing the tongue for new tastings. “Aha!” A chuckle formed on plush lips framed by eyes that thrived with lively glimmer. Truly, Iaheru had not let a bitter life change her, at least, it had not altered her public persona. “Now that is intriguing.” Iaheru knew of many things, and surely, the forked tongues of the court hissed in her ear still, even after her standing suffered drastic casualty. Onuphrious would know for sure, but they had not spoken meaningfully in quite some time.
“Now that I think of it, I believe that we may be among some of the more traveled members of the court. What with your service, Zoser’s studiousness, and my Hei’s affects and affairs,” she realized the poor choice of words and took a pause before immediately beginning her next thought. “I suppose we all have had distinct memories of our time away from Egypt’s perfection. What fond memories do you have of lands afar?” Iaheru felt particularly emboldened in her words tonight, the fog of wine dusted her vision, but remaining cognizant enough to speak pointedly elegant. This recklessness was in part due to her pariah status, one of the few luxuries the whispering and darting eyes allowed her was the cover of scandal. If all attention was diverted to a forced touch so many moons ago, truly, Iaheru could speak more freely without the burden of concealment.
Narmer nodded cordially to the old scholar of the Egyptian court. He was a mysterious man for sure, but Narmer was not one to act on the basis of gossip from the others within the nobility. Any interactions he's had with Zoser so far has been cordial and respectable, that Narmer would even say he would not mind working together with the man. Besides, he knew Na'meah would be more then happy to receive praise for the night's festivities. It had been a long while since they had last hosted a dinner, or any sort of celebration in their saraayaa ever since the tragedy that took the life of Narutt away, and this was the first time in many years that his sister-in-law was in the heat of playing hostess.
An amused smile played at his lips, and the man zipped his lips even when Zoser glanced at him, no help forthcoming at all from the younger Egyptian. Instead, he merely listened with rapt attention as Zoser first considered his words, and then slowly replied to the Sheifa lady.
The tidbit of information that the other male offered was not something Narmer had not heard. One did pick up quite some knowledge whilst one visited many Hei's and houses to garner support and perhaps help in regards to finances and business for his province that he now handled. He chuckled a little at Zoser's wry reply for the supposed rumour that surrounded his name, and then turned to Iaheru as she spoke.
The next question brought a toughtful look to Narmer. He was travelled, of course, but he doubted quite as well as the other two. His 'travels' merely consisted of a young man refusing to accept the reality of his brother's death, and spent years trying to escape the truth of the matter. But when the lady asked, how could he not respond?
"I did not go very far, Sirdsett, not as you would imagine I think. I visited Judea, and the borders of Bedoa? That was as far as I went, before life required me to return and assist my family here." Slowly, his gaze slid over to Zoser, interest flickering in his hazel depths."However, I'm sure Zoser here is far more well travelled then I am." The young man was curious, of course. He had only heard bits and pieces of the scholar's past, and was not entirely sure of where he had been before his sudden appearance in Egyptian court. Now, with Iaheru's question, seemed like a good time as any to find out.
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Narmer nodded cordially to the old scholar of the Egyptian court. He was a mysterious man for sure, but Narmer was not one to act on the basis of gossip from the others within the nobility. Any interactions he's had with Zoser so far has been cordial and respectable, that Narmer would even say he would not mind working together with the man. Besides, he knew Na'meah would be more then happy to receive praise for the night's festivities. It had been a long while since they had last hosted a dinner, or any sort of celebration in their saraayaa ever since the tragedy that took the life of Narutt away, and this was the first time in many years that his sister-in-law was in the heat of playing hostess.
An amused smile played at his lips, and the man zipped his lips even when Zoser glanced at him, no help forthcoming at all from the younger Egyptian. Instead, he merely listened with rapt attention as Zoser first considered his words, and then slowly replied to the Sheifa lady.
The tidbit of information that the other male offered was not something Narmer had not heard. One did pick up quite some knowledge whilst one visited many Hei's and houses to garner support and perhaps help in regards to finances and business for his province that he now handled. He chuckled a little at Zoser's wry reply for the supposed rumour that surrounded his name, and then turned to Iaheru as she spoke.
The next question brought a toughtful look to Narmer. He was travelled, of course, but he doubted quite as well as the other two. His 'travels' merely consisted of a young man refusing to accept the reality of his brother's death, and spent years trying to escape the truth of the matter. But when the lady asked, how could he not respond?
"I did not go very far, Sirdsett, not as you would imagine I think. I visited Judea, and the borders of Bedoa? That was as far as I went, before life required me to return and assist my family here." Slowly, his gaze slid over to Zoser, interest flickering in his hazel depths."However, I'm sure Zoser here is far more well travelled then I am." The young man was curious, of course. He had only heard bits and pieces of the scholar's past, and was not entirely sure of where he had been before his sudden appearance in Egyptian court. Now, with Iaheru's question, seemed like a good time as any to find out.
Narmer nodded cordially to the old scholar of the Egyptian court. He was a mysterious man for sure, but Narmer was not one to act on the basis of gossip from the others within the nobility. Any interactions he's had with Zoser so far has been cordial and respectable, that Narmer would even say he would not mind working together with the man. Besides, he knew Na'meah would be more then happy to receive praise for the night's festivities. It had been a long while since they had last hosted a dinner, or any sort of celebration in their saraayaa ever since the tragedy that took the life of Narutt away, and this was the first time in many years that his sister-in-law was in the heat of playing hostess.
An amused smile played at his lips, and the man zipped his lips even when Zoser glanced at him, no help forthcoming at all from the younger Egyptian. Instead, he merely listened with rapt attention as Zoser first considered his words, and then slowly replied to the Sheifa lady.
The tidbit of information that the other male offered was not something Narmer had not heard. One did pick up quite some knowledge whilst one visited many Hei's and houses to garner support and perhaps help in regards to finances and business for his province that he now handled. He chuckled a little at Zoser's wry reply for the supposed rumour that surrounded his name, and then turned to Iaheru as she spoke.
The next question brought a toughtful look to Narmer. He was travelled, of course, but he doubted quite as well as the other two. His 'travels' merely consisted of a young man refusing to accept the reality of his brother's death, and spent years trying to escape the truth of the matter. But when the lady asked, how could he not respond?
"I did not go very far, Sirdsett, not as you would imagine I think. I visited Judea, and the borders of Bedoa? That was as far as I went, before life required me to return and assist my family here." Slowly, his gaze slid over to Zoser, interest flickering in his hazel depths."However, I'm sure Zoser here is far more well travelled then I am." The young man was curious, of course. He had only heard bits and pieces of the scholar's past, and was not entirely sure of where he had been before his sudden appearance in Egyptian court. Now, with Iaheru's question, seemed like a good time as any to find out.
Hatshepsut took several deep breaths to calm herself, willing the dizziness to go away, but it persisted. Had Iahotep even heard her panicked whisper? From what she knew of him, he might be ignoring her on purpose, taking a perverse pleasure in watching her suffer. Though he had seemed proud when he announced that she was carrying his child, he still held tightly to her hand as if he was afraid that she would slip away from him if he let her go.
Was he going to be more possessive now that she was pregnant? Would he refuse to let her out of his sight or have her followed by guards who were loyal to him rather than to her? How then would she sneak away to meet Osorsen? No, he had no right to watch her constantly. People would notice and they would talk. The facade they maintained in public would unravel and he would be seen as a jealous husband who didn't trust Egypt's beloved Queen.
Her own thoughts distracted her momentarily from her predicament, but when the trees began to dance around her, Hatshepsut knew that she was still in danger of passing out. There were two of everyone now, as if Safiya wasn't the only noble in attendance with a twin. The people standing closest to her were triplets, including Iahotep. One cruel tyrant was enough. Three would destroy the entire world as they knew it. No, there were not three Pharaohs, only one. Her muddled mind was playing tricks on her.
The droning of voices around her began to fade, sounding like a distant buzzing while her own heartbeat was like thunder in her ears. The blood drained from her face and she felt an intense cold seeping through her bones. “Please ...” she whispered swaying against her husband as the world slowly began to dissolve around her.
Unable to fight it any longer, Hatshepsut lost consciousness, crumpling to the ground in a flurry of linen and beads and the scent of expensive perfume. Her jeweled crown flew off her head and came to rest a short distance away.
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Hatshepsut took several deep breaths to calm herself, willing the dizziness to go away, but it persisted. Had Iahotep even heard her panicked whisper? From what she knew of him, he might be ignoring her on purpose, taking a perverse pleasure in watching her suffer. Though he had seemed proud when he announced that she was carrying his child, he still held tightly to her hand as if he was afraid that she would slip away from him if he let her go.
Was he going to be more possessive now that she was pregnant? Would he refuse to let her out of his sight or have her followed by guards who were loyal to him rather than to her? How then would she sneak away to meet Osorsen? No, he had no right to watch her constantly. People would notice and they would talk. The facade they maintained in public would unravel and he would be seen as a jealous husband who didn't trust Egypt's beloved Queen.
Her own thoughts distracted her momentarily from her predicament, but when the trees began to dance around her, Hatshepsut knew that she was still in danger of passing out. There were two of everyone now, as if Safiya wasn't the only noble in attendance with a twin. The people standing closest to her were triplets, including Iahotep. One cruel tyrant was enough. Three would destroy the entire world as they knew it. No, there were not three Pharaohs, only one. Her muddled mind was playing tricks on her.
The droning of voices around her began to fade, sounding like a distant buzzing while her own heartbeat was like thunder in her ears. The blood drained from her face and she felt an intense cold seeping through her bones. “Please ...” she whispered swaying against her husband as the world slowly began to dissolve around her.
Unable to fight it any longer, Hatshepsut lost consciousness, crumpling to the ground in a flurry of linen and beads and the scent of expensive perfume. Her jeweled crown flew off her head and came to rest a short distance away.
Hatshepsut took several deep breaths to calm herself, willing the dizziness to go away, but it persisted. Had Iahotep even heard her panicked whisper? From what she knew of him, he might be ignoring her on purpose, taking a perverse pleasure in watching her suffer. Though he had seemed proud when he announced that she was carrying his child, he still held tightly to her hand as if he was afraid that she would slip away from him if he let her go.
Was he going to be more possessive now that she was pregnant? Would he refuse to let her out of his sight or have her followed by guards who were loyal to him rather than to her? How then would she sneak away to meet Osorsen? No, he had no right to watch her constantly. People would notice and they would talk. The facade they maintained in public would unravel and he would be seen as a jealous husband who didn't trust Egypt's beloved Queen.
Her own thoughts distracted her momentarily from her predicament, but when the trees began to dance around her, Hatshepsut knew that she was still in danger of passing out. There were two of everyone now, as if Safiya wasn't the only noble in attendance with a twin. The people standing closest to her were triplets, including Iahotep. One cruel tyrant was enough. Three would destroy the entire world as they knew it. No, there were not three Pharaohs, only one. Her muddled mind was playing tricks on her.
The droning of voices around her began to fade, sounding like a distant buzzing while her own heartbeat was like thunder in her ears. The blood drained from her face and she felt an intense cold seeping through her bones. “Please ...” she whispered swaying against her husband as the world slowly began to dissolve around her.
Unable to fight it any longer, Hatshepsut lost consciousness, crumpling to the ground in a flurry of linen and beads and the scent of expensive perfume. Her jeweled crown flew off her head and came to rest a short distance away.
Zoser felt comfortable with the company he shared, despite knowing of the struggles facing each Hei. Even though much of his time was spent within the walls of the Evening Star Palace and at the behest of the Pharoah, Queen, and Queen Mother, he found himself adverse to many of the social scramblings and gossip. Not only would it be considered wholly inappropriate for a man of his station to spend hours upon hours engrossed in the lives of the nobles surrounding him, it was simply not in his nature. The human element of life was far more valuable to him than talk of names and status.
At least, it was easy for a man lacking both name and true social status to convince himself of that.
A purring hum of a smug laugh escaped him as the two nobles smiled at his surprising information. Of course, none of it was true, though if others thought such a thing, it might be to his benefit. If no one discovered the true source of his benefactor, it was for the better. As much as he desired to keep his ears and lips away from gossip, he most assuredly did not want his name and the names of those involved to be noticed.
Zoser raised both brows and then brought his goblet to his lips at her musing and then her ultimate query, nodding as he allowed the honey beer to wash across his tongue. It gave a few moments for him to properly formulate his approach to the topic, and allowed a long enough pause for Narmer to reply. However, he did not drain his mouth quickly enough to ask the young general about his adventures in Bedoa before attention once again returned to him.
"Ah," he said, stepping in only slightly closer and almost ducking his head, as if to add to the secrecy. It was mostly for effect, but also to keep his voice lower, given the most recent announcement, "I was very young when I left Egypt, no more than ten, when-"
His words died on his tongue as his height allowed for him to see it all happen at once, and his expression fell from courtly smiles to a cold wash of worry as he watched the Queen waver and start to collapse.
Zoser did not have a family, in the clinical sense. There were friends he had made within the University of Athenia, which became a family of scholars and mentors, which would now go unspoken due to the upcoming war for fear of potential treason. There was the thin tie of blood that connected him to a noble Hei, of which only two other living beings knew about, and would remain hidden likely until each of their deathbeds.
Then, there was Hatshepsut.
The young queen that he had seen grow from the age of six to now, as a woman carrying the fate of Egypt in her womb. But to him, she was more than that. She was a quiet soul who enjoyed the stories he told and mused with him in the royal gardens over everything from philosophies to arts. A beautiful curious mind hidden behind her role as figurehead of the Kingdom.
Seeing her collapse brought forth an almost superstitious sense of foreboding to his mind, enforced by years of foreign tales. He brushed those thoughts away in an instant as he murmured a hurried "Excuse me, Sirdsett" to Lady H'Sheifa and placed a beckoning hand on Narmer's shoulder as they both moved to the side of the Pharoah and the Queen, surrounded by her ladies.
After all, this was the young general's Saraayaa, and the Evening Star had just fallen in his garden.
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Zoser felt comfortable with the company he shared, despite knowing of the struggles facing each Hei. Even though much of his time was spent within the walls of the Evening Star Palace and at the behest of the Pharoah, Queen, and Queen Mother, he found himself adverse to many of the social scramblings and gossip. Not only would it be considered wholly inappropriate for a man of his station to spend hours upon hours engrossed in the lives of the nobles surrounding him, it was simply not in his nature. The human element of life was far more valuable to him than talk of names and status.
At least, it was easy for a man lacking both name and true social status to convince himself of that.
A purring hum of a smug laugh escaped him as the two nobles smiled at his surprising information. Of course, none of it was true, though if others thought such a thing, it might be to his benefit. If no one discovered the true source of his benefactor, it was for the better. As much as he desired to keep his ears and lips away from gossip, he most assuredly did not want his name and the names of those involved to be noticed.
Zoser raised both brows and then brought his goblet to his lips at her musing and then her ultimate query, nodding as he allowed the honey beer to wash across his tongue. It gave a few moments for him to properly formulate his approach to the topic, and allowed a long enough pause for Narmer to reply. However, he did not drain his mouth quickly enough to ask the young general about his adventures in Bedoa before attention once again returned to him.
"Ah," he said, stepping in only slightly closer and almost ducking his head, as if to add to the secrecy. It was mostly for effect, but also to keep his voice lower, given the most recent announcement, "I was very young when I left Egypt, no more than ten, when-"
His words died on his tongue as his height allowed for him to see it all happen at once, and his expression fell from courtly smiles to a cold wash of worry as he watched the Queen waver and start to collapse.
Zoser did not have a family, in the clinical sense. There were friends he had made within the University of Athenia, which became a family of scholars and mentors, which would now go unspoken due to the upcoming war for fear of potential treason. There was the thin tie of blood that connected him to a noble Hei, of which only two other living beings knew about, and would remain hidden likely until each of their deathbeds.
Then, there was Hatshepsut.
The young queen that he had seen grow from the age of six to now, as a woman carrying the fate of Egypt in her womb. But to him, she was more than that. She was a quiet soul who enjoyed the stories he told and mused with him in the royal gardens over everything from philosophies to arts. A beautiful curious mind hidden behind her role as figurehead of the Kingdom.
Seeing her collapse brought forth an almost superstitious sense of foreboding to his mind, enforced by years of foreign tales. He brushed those thoughts away in an instant as he murmured a hurried "Excuse me, Sirdsett" to Lady H'Sheifa and placed a beckoning hand on Narmer's shoulder as they both moved to the side of the Pharoah and the Queen, surrounded by her ladies.
After all, this was the young general's Saraayaa, and the Evening Star had just fallen in his garden.
Zoser felt comfortable with the company he shared, despite knowing of the struggles facing each Hei. Even though much of his time was spent within the walls of the Evening Star Palace and at the behest of the Pharoah, Queen, and Queen Mother, he found himself adverse to many of the social scramblings and gossip. Not only would it be considered wholly inappropriate for a man of his station to spend hours upon hours engrossed in the lives of the nobles surrounding him, it was simply not in his nature. The human element of life was far more valuable to him than talk of names and status.
At least, it was easy for a man lacking both name and true social status to convince himself of that.
A purring hum of a smug laugh escaped him as the two nobles smiled at his surprising information. Of course, none of it was true, though if others thought such a thing, it might be to his benefit. If no one discovered the true source of his benefactor, it was for the better. As much as he desired to keep his ears and lips away from gossip, he most assuredly did not want his name and the names of those involved to be noticed.
Zoser raised both brows and then brought his goblet to his lips at her musing and then her ultimate query, nodding as he allowed the honey beer to wash across his tongue. It gave a few moments for him to properly formulate his approach to the topic, and allowed a long enough pause for Narmer to reply. However, he did not drain his mouth quickly enough to ask the young general about his adventures in Bedoa before attention once again returned to him.
"Ah," he said, stepping in only slightly closer and almost ducking his head, as if to add to the secrecy. It was mostly for effect, but also to keep his voice lower, given the most recent announcement, "I was very young when I left Egypt, no more than ten, when-"
His words died on his tongue as his height allowed for him to see it all happen at once, and his expression fell from courtly smiles to a cold wash of worry as he watched the Queen waver and start to collapse.
Zoser did not have a family, in the clinical sense. There were friends he had made within the University of Athenia, which became a family of scholars and mentors, which would now go unspoken due to the upcoming war for fear of potential treason. There was the thin tie of blood that connected him to a noble Hei, of which only two other living beings knew about, and would remain hidden likely until each of their deathbeds.
Then, there was Hatshepsut.
The young queen that he had seen grow from the age of six to now, as a woman carrying the fate of Egypt in her womb. But to him, she was more than that. She was a quiet soul who enjoyed the stories he told and mused with him in the royal gardens over everything from philosophies to arts. A beautiful curious mind hidden behind her role as figurehead of the Kingdom.
Seeing her collapse brought forth an almost superstitious sense of foreboding to his mind, enforced by years of foreign tales. He brushed those thoughts away in an instant as he murmured a hurried "Excuse me, Sirdsett" to Lady H'Sheifa and placed a beckoning hand on Narmer's shoulder as they both moved to the side of the Pharoah and the Queen, surrounded by her ladies.
After all, this was the young general's Saraayaa, and the Evening Star had just fallen in his garden.
Kissan had found himself annoyingly busy for the evening. Standing at first by his uncle's side, greeting the guests, Kissan had soon found himself whisked away by his mother, tending to servants and fetching more wine from the cellar. He had been near giddy with excitement that their Hei had been chosen to host no less than the Pharaoh himself and the queen! So giddy in fact that he'd paid little attention to Narmer's worries about how to pull off such an endeavor and instead merely assumed his uncle would make it work like everything else had somehow worked out for the Hei since Narmer's return.
Thankfully, though he'd outgrown his childhood clothes, Kissan was finally starting to fit the clothing left behind by his father. His shoulders not yet as broad, his muscles not yet as refined, Kissan was a young man just edging into his prime. Narmer had had first pick of Kissan's fathers things of course as Sindar but once Narmer had chosen what to wear, Kissan eagerly dressed himself in what remained.
There perhaps should have been some sadness or longing in the selection process, but Kissan had little time for sad memories when there was a party to get ready for! He would get to help host the Pharaoh! The honor!
Kissan's selection for clothing had been very similar to Narmer's. Bare from the waist up save for a simpler chest ornament and some bronze arm bands. It was clear that Kissan was still stuck somewhere between man and boy but oh how he wished to be a man.
Eagerly greeting the Pharaoh and the Queen, Kissan's excitement was plain to see even if it was barely contained behind a thin veil of decorum and proper protocol. The boy hoped to perhaps find a way to speak with the Pharaoh somehow but his hopes were quickly dashed as his mother pulled him away for some of the mundane tasks of hosting that she did not wish to bother Narmer with.
Kissan was just delivering the next jug of wine from the wine cellar when he heard the Pharaoh's announcement about war. War! War! Yes this was perfect! He'd been bothering Narmer for months about joining the military. This would be a perfect opportunity. He just needed to get in and prove himself. He just knew that he'd make a name for himself and bring honor to their Hei. And the pay wouldn't hurt either. Surely Narmer couldn't find any objection to him joining now!
Kissan finally found a way to excuse himself from further errands and started trying to make his way through the crowd to his uncle. He had to speak with him about this! He just knew that Narmer would be more accommodating now that the Pharaoh was calling for war. Perhaps he could even join up soon enough to be on the first ships! Oh how glorious that would be!
Straining to see over the heads of those around him, Kissan darted here and there, trying to track down his uncle. Stopped several times by guests congratulating his family on throwing such a wonderful party, Kissan was gracious and accepting of the compliments while also doing his best to continue moving along. "Uncle!" he called as he drew near but before he could get a response, those around him gasped and Kissan's eyes widened as the crowd parted briefly and he saw the queen on the ground, his sister by her side. What had happened to the queen? Was she poisoned? Those dirty greeks would stop at nothing to ruin their lives!
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Kissan had found himself annoyingly busy for the evening. Standing at first by his uncle's side, greeting the guests, Kissan had soon found himself whisked away by his mother, tending to servants and fetching more wine from the cellar. He had been near giddy with excitement that their Hei had been chosen to host no less than the Pharaoh himself and the queen! So giddy in fact that he'd paid little attention to Narmer's worries about how to pull off such an endeavor and instead merely assumed his uncle would make it work like everything else had somehow worked out for the Hei since Narmer's return.
Thankfully, though he'd outgrown his childhood clothes, Kissan was finally starting to fit the clothing left behind by his father. His shoulders not yet as broad, his muscles not yet as refined, Kissan was a young man just edging into his prime. Narmer had had first pick of Kissan's fathers things of course as Sindar but once Narmer had chosen what to wear, Kissan eagerly dressed himself in what remained.
There perhaps should have been some sadness or longing in the selection process, but Kissan had little time for sad memories when there was a party to get ready for! He would get to help host the Pharaoh! The honor!
Kissan's selection for clothing had been very similar to Narmer's. Bare from the waist up save for a simpler chest ornament and some bronze arm bands. It was clear that Kissan was still stuck somewhere between man and boy but oh how he wished to be a man.
Eagerly greeting the Pharaoh and the Queen, Kissan's excitement was plain to see even if it was barely contained behind a thin veil of decorum and proper protocol. The boy hoped to perhaps find a way to speak with the Pharaoh somehow but his hopes were quickly dashed as his mother pulled him away for some of the mundane tasks of hosting that she did not wish to bother Narmer with.
Kissan was just delivering the next jug of wine from the wine cellar when he heard the Pharaoh's announcement about war. War! War! Yes this was perfect! He'd been bothering Narmer for months about joining the military. This would be a perfect opportunity. He just needed to get in and prove himself. He just knew that he'd make a name for himself and bring honor to their Hei. And the pay wouldn't hurt either. Surely Narmer couldn't find any objection to him joining now!
Kissan finally found a way to excuse himself from further errands and started trying to make his way through the crowd to his uncle. He had to speak with him about this! He just knew that Narmer would be more accommodating now that the Pharaoh was calling for war. Perhaps he could even join up soon enough to be on the first ships! Oh how glorious that would be!
Straining to see over the heads of those around him, Kissan darted here and there, trying to track down his uncle. Stopped several times by guests congratulating his family on throwing such a wonderful party, Kissan was gracious and accepting of the compliments while also doing his best to continue moving along. "Uncle!" he called as he drew near but before he could get a response, those around him gasped and Kissan's eyes widened as the crowd parted briefly and he saw the queen on the ground, his sister by her side. What had happened to the queen? Was she poisoned? Those dirty greeks would stop at nothing to ruin their lives!
Kissan had found himself annoyingly busy for the evening. Standing at first by his uncle's side, greeting the guests, Kissan had soon found himself whisked away by his mother, tending to servants and fetching more wine from the cellar. He had been near giddy with excitement that their Hei had been chosen to host no less than the Pharaoh himself and the queen! So giddy in fact that he'd paid little attention to Narmer's worries about how to pull off such an endeavor and instead merely assumed his uncle would make it work like everything else had somehow worked out for the Hei since Narmer's return.
Thankfully, though he'd outgrown his childhood clothes, Kissan was finally starting to fit the clothing left behind by his father. His shoulders not yet as broad, his muscles not yet as refined, Kissan was a young man just edging into his prime. Narmer had had first pick of Kissan's fathers things of course as Sindar but once Narmer had chosen what to wear, Kissan eagerly dressed himself in what remained.
There perhaps should have been some sadness or longing in the selection process, but Kissan had little time for sad memories when there was a party to get ready for! He would get to help host the Pharaoh! The honor!
Kissan's selection for clothing had been very similar to Narmer's. Bare from the waist up save for a simpler chest ornament and some bronze arm bands. It was clear that Kissan was still stuck somewhere between man and boy but oh how he wished to be a man.
Eagerly greeting the Pharaoh and the Queen, Kissan's excitement was plain to see even if it was barely contained behind a thin veil of decorum and proper protocol. The boy hoped to perhaps find a way to speak with the Pharaoh somehow but his hopes were quickly dashed as his mother pulled him away for some of the mundane tasks of hosting that she did not wish to bother Narmer with.
Kissan was just delivering the next jug of wine from the wine cellar when he heard the Pharaoh's announcement about war. War! War! Yes this was perfect! He'd been bothering Narmer for months about joining the military. This would be a perfect opportunity. He just needed to get in and prove himself. He just knew that he'd make a name for himself and bring honor to their Hei. And the pay wouldn't hurt either. Surely Narmer couldn't find any objection to him joining now!
Kissan finally found a way to excuse himself from further errands and started trying to make his way through the crowd to his uncle. He had to speak with him about this! He just knew that Narmer would be more accommodating now that the Pharaoh was calling for war. Perhaps he could even join up soon enough to be on the first ships! Oh how glorious that would be!
Straining to see over the heads of those around him, Kissan darted here and there, trying to track down his uncle. Stopped several times by guests congratulating his family on throwing such a wonderful party, Kissan was gracious and accepting of the compliments while also doing his best to continue moving along. "Uncle!" he called as he drew near but before he could get a response, those around him gasped and Kissan's eyes widened as the crowd parted briefly and he saw the queen on the ground, his sister by her side. What had happened to the queen? Was she poisoned? Those dirty greeks would stop at nothing to ruin their lives!
She had great interest in what Narmer had to say, even if it was brief and dismissive. Iaheru had the great propensity to will her desires to existence and these desires originated as meticulously researched probabilities. Narmer was one of many probabilities and the most recently considered, therefore, she cared. Her ears turned keenly to Zoser and as was the theme of the evening, interest favored those who had the age to flaunt distinct experience juxtaposed against time that permitted analysis.
Zoser was but two years younger than she, and yet, salt speckled his hair like a guinea fowl egg. Though she was not immune to the creep of age manifesting in white strands that occasionally pulled through her braids. Nevertheless, she exuded a kept, but aged, beauty that fell on learned lips, her face having been protected from the sun’s harshness by scarves lending to a smoothed complexion. Though she cared little for beauty, she cared everything for beauty all at once, understanding that if a woman can be both powerful and beautiful then there would be little that could stop her. It was this restrained, qualified beauty she projected to her daughters and taught her sons to pursue with the aggression men are afforded.
She had respect for the men around her, Narmer with his welcoming, if not meek, demeanor and Zoser for his learned travels, but what sullied that was the perceived dismissiveness of a hand on her shoulder. Iaheru fumed from this mere act, wondering why childless men thought it appropriate to attend to a woman with child. Delicately, but hurriedly, she lifts the hem of her kalasiris and bustled towards the Evening Star, her pallor starkly contrasting her makeup that looked like haphazard swipes of a paintbrush on porcelain.
With a hand weighed by gold rings and authority, Iaheru cut through the anxious retainers with ease, especially the young trollop Narmer fancied his nephew. Elegantly, she fell to her knees to attend to Hathesput, Iaheru's effective attentiveness exhibited her past life as Chief Retainer to the Queen Mother.
Long fingers unfastened a peacock pin from her head wrap, each pass unfurled a long, thick silk which revealed neat braids woven with gold cascading down her back. These deft hands gathered the fabric, dabbing at the Queen’s brow and wicking away her beaded sweat with each calming pass. The woman was steely in her actions, wrapping the long scarf under the Queen’s hair to protect it from the ground while glimmering golden eyes compelled the young woman to stir.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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She had great interest in what Narmer had to say, even if it was brief and dismissive. Iaheru had the great propensity to will her desires to existence and these desires originated as meticulously researched probabilities. Narmer was one of many probabilities and the most recently considered, therefore, she cared. Her ears turned keenly to Zoser and as was the theme of the evening, interest favored those who had the age to flaunt distinct experience juxtaposed against time that permitted analysis.
Zoser was but two years younger than she, and yet, salt speckled his hair like a guinea fowl egg. Though she was not immune to the creep of age manifesting in white strands that occasionally pulled through her braids. Nevertheless, she exuded a kept, but aged, beauty that fell on learned lips, her face having been protected from the sun’s harshness by scarves lending to a smoothed complexion. Though she cared little for beauty, she cared everything for beauty all at once, understanding that if a woman can be both powerful and beautiful then there would be little that could stop her. It was this restrained, qualified beauty she projected to her daughters and taught her sons to pursue with the aggression men are afforded.
She had respect for the men around her, Narmer with his welcoming, if not meek, demeanor and Zoser for his learned travels, but what sullied that was the perceived dismissiveness of a hand on her shoulder. Iaheru fumed from this mere act, wondering why childless men thought it appropriate to attend to a woman with child. Delicately, but hurriedly, she lifts the hem of her kalasiris and bustled towards the Evening Star, her pallor starkly contrasting her makeup that looked like haphazard swipes of a paintbrush on porcelain.
With a hand weighed by gold rings and authority, Iaheru cut through the anxious retainers with ease, especially the young trollop Narmer fancied his nephew. Elegantly, she fell to her knees to attend to Hathesput, Iaheru's effective attentiveness exhibited her past life as Chief Retainer to the Queen Mother.
Long fingers unfastened a peacock pin from her head wrap, each pass unfurled a long, thick silk which revealed neat braids woven with gold cascading down her back. These deft hands gathered the fabric, dabbing at the Queen’s brow and wicking away her beaded sweat with each calming pass. The woman was steely in her actions, wrapping the long scarf under the Queen’s hair to protect it from the ground while glimmering golden eyes compelled the young woman to stir.
She had great interest in what Narmer had to say, even if it was brief and dismissive. Iaheru had the great propensity to will her desires to existence and these desires originated as meticulously researched probabilities. Narmer was one of many probabilities and the most recently considered, therefore, she cared. Her ears turned keenly to Zoser and as was the theme of the evening, interest favored those who had the age to flaunt distinct experience juxtaposed against time that permitted analysis.
Zoser was but two years younger than she, and yet, salt speckled his hair like a guinea fowl egg. Though she was not immune to the creep of age manifesting in white strands that occasionally pulled through her braids. Nevertheless, she exuded a kept, but aged, beauty that fell on learned lips, her face having been protected from the sun’s harshness by scarves lending to a smoothed complexion. Though she cared little for beauty, she cared everything for beauty all at once, understanding that if a woman can be both powerful and beautiful then there would be little that could stop her. It was this restrained, qualified beauty she projected to her daughters and taught her sons to pursue with the aggression men are afforded.
She had respect for the men around her, Narmer with his welcoming, if not meek, demeanor and Zoser for his learned travels, but what sullied that was the perceived dismissiveness of a hand on her shoulder. Iaheru fumed from this mere act, wondering why childless men thought it appropriate to attend to a woman with child. Delicately, but hurriedly, she lifts the hem of her kalasiris and bustled towards the Evening Star, her pallor starkly contrasting her makeup that looked like haphazard swipes of a paintbrush on porcelain.
With a hand weighed by gold rings and authority, Iaheru cut through the anxious retainers with ease, especially the young trollop Narmer fancied his nephew. Elegantly, she fell to her knees to attend to Hathesput, Iaheru's effective attentiveness exhibited her past life as Chief Retainer to the Queen Mother.
Long fingers unfastened a peacock pin from her head wrap, each pass unfurled a long, thick silk which revealed neat braids woven with gold cascading down her back. These deft hands gathered the fabric, dabbing at the Queen’s brow and wicking away her beaded sweat with each calming pass. The woman was steely in her actions, wrapping the long scarf under the Queen’s hair to protect it from the ground while glimmering golden eyes compelled the young woman to stir.
Even though she wanted to spend time with her family and just having fun, after all, it wasn't all about the business of looking after the Queen and her needs, especially not when Hatshepsut often had to deal with speaking with other people and being formal while she was going it. Safiya was not needed for that and she could respect that. It gave her a chance to do something else.
Safiya had been looking around and otherwise not solely watching over the Queen, she was not the only handmaid, though often she tried to be one of the more attentive ones. So, it was only a few moments between the young woman and her collapse and the appearance of Safiya at her side. She might not be able to really do much more than attempt to lend aid wherever she could "How can I help?" she asked the older woman who had assisted in providing a makeshift cushion for the Queen's head.
It might have been that Safiya was a little upset about the idea of something going wrong with Hatshepsut but that emotion was one that she struggled to keep under control. Allowing her to have a waver in her voice, as well as some hesitation that might suggest some other nervousness in the way she was behaving but only to someone who knew her pretty well and she doubted any of those around her at the moment would do that.
Safiya took another look around and tried to figure out what she could do other than feel useless as they all waited for some idea or change in the Queen that might help further their next action.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Even though she wanted to spend time with her family and just having fun, after all, it wasn't all about the business of looking after the Queen and her needs, especially not when Hatshepsut often had to deal with speaking with other people and being formal while she was going it. Safiya was not needed for that and she could respect that. It gave her a chance to do something else.
Safiya had been looking around and otherwise not solely watching over the Queen, she was not the only handmaid, though often she tried to be one of the more attentive ones. So, it was only a few moments between the young woman and her collapse and the appearance of Safiya at her side. She might not be able to really do much more than attempt to lend aid wherever she could "How can I help?" she asked the older woman who had assisted in providing a makeshift cushion for the Queen's head.
It might have been that Safiya was a little upset about the idea of something going wrong with Hatshepsut but that emotion was one that she struggled to keep under control. Allowing her to have a waver in her voice, as well as some hesitation that might suggest some other nervousness in the way she was behaving but only to someone who knew her pretty well and she doubted any of those around her at the moment would do that.
Safiya took another look around and tried to figure out what she could do other than feel useless as they all waited for some idea or change in the Queen that might help further their next action.
Even though she wanted to spend time with her family and just having fun, after all, it wasn't all about the business of looking after the Queen and her needs, especially not when Hatshepsut often had to deal with speaking with other people and being formal while she was going it. Safiya was not needed for that and she could respect that. It gave her a chance to do something else.
Safiya had been looking around and otherwise not solely watching over the Queen, she was not the only handmaid, though often she tried to be one of the more attentive ones. So, it was only a few moments between the young woman and her collapse and the appearance of Safiya at her side. She might not be able to really do much more than attempt to lend aid wherever she could "How can I help?" she asked the older woman who had assisted in providing a makeshift cushion for the Queen's head.
It might have been that Safiya was a little upset about the idea of something going wrong with Hatshepsut but that emotion was one that she struggled to keep under control. Allowing her to have a waver in her voice, as well as some hesitation that might suggest some other nervousness in the way she was behaving but only to someone who knew her pretty well and she doubted any of those around her at the moment would do that.
Safiya took another look around and tried to figure out what she could do other than feel useless as they all waited for some idea or change in the Queen that might help further their next action.